Dokolo Leaders Appeal for Expanded Flood Support as Caritas Interventions Take Shape

Dokolo, Uganda | Leaders in Dokolo District have urged Caritas Lira and its partner Caritas International Belgium to scale up flood response interventions, noting that many affected communities remain without support.

The appeal came during a stakeholder meeting at the district headquarters chaired by Principal Assistant Secretary Denis Orit.

He commended Caritas for its swift response to the floods but explained that limited funding has restricted interventions to only two sub-counties and four parishes.

Mr. Orit emphasized the need for additional resources to extend support to more communities while also promoting long-term measures that enable residents to adapt to climate change without relying solely on aid.

District Chairperson James Otoo Apili praised Caritas for stepping in promptly after floods submerged homes, boreholes, and gardens, displacing more than 1,500 households.

He recalled appealing on local radio for help and noted that the support provided, including boats, tarpaulins, blankets, and tree seedlings, closely matched the urgent needs he had previously outlined to the President.

Rev. Fr. Desiderius Pule, Director of Caritas Lira, reported that the Strengthening Climate Resilience of Households and Communities project has already reduced climate vulnerability for 1,080 households while strengthening disaster risk management and water catchment governance.

Ms. Catherine Meda, representing Caritas International Belgium, highlighted the organization’s commitment to Dokolo after recognizing that the district’s needs were greater than in other countries where similar projects had been implemented.

During a field visit to Kachung, local leaders expressed appreciation for Caritas’ support but highlighted ongoing needs, including mobile toilets, clean water, and more boats to improve fishing activities.

Community leaders reported that the four boats donated by Caritas have already generated UGX 9 million in revenue over five months, with plans to acquire additional engine-powered boats for deeper waters.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jafar Ochaya commended Caritas and its partners for their interventions and urged residents to use the assistance effectively.

He encouraged communities to uphold peace and resilience, emphasizing the importance of sustaining development under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

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